Fourth T20I between India and South Africa Called Off Due to Fog in Lucknow

The fourth T20I match between India and South Africa in Lucknow was abandoned due to poor visibility caused by heavy fog. With this outcome, India is guaranteed to extend its unbeaten streak in T20I series to 15, as they currently lead the series 2-1.

The fate of the series will now be decided in Ahmedabad on Friday.

The umpires conducted six inspections to assess the situation, with one umpire even going to a boundary to check if he could see the white ball against the backdrop. Despite these efforts, the match was eventually called off at 9:26 PM due to the hazardous conditions. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lucknow was in the early-to-mid 400s, indicating a hazardous level, but the primary concern for the umpires was the lack of visibility.

The scheduling of cricket matches in North India during the winter has often been controversial, particularly due to visibility issues and air quality. The BCCI had previously considered hosting a Test match in Delhi but moved it to a time before Diwali, when air quality typically worsens.

South Africa's tour will conclude in Ahmedabad on Friday. Despite losing the T20I series, South Africa had a successful tour, defeating India 2-0 in the Test series and forcing a decisive match in the ODI series, which India ultimately won 2-1. India secured two dominant victories in the T20I series, putting them in a strong position, but the weather in Lucknow prevented them from clinching the series before the final game.

Jasprit Bumrah, who was absent from the previous match due to personal reasons, was present with the team in Lucknow. His presence is expected to boost India's morale for the final match, which will be played in his hometown.